View source for Billy Drease Williams

{{short description|American rapper}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Billy Drease Williams
| image           = Billy Drease Williams.jpg
| caption         = Billy Drease Williams performing in 2009 in [[Buffalo, New York]]
| image_size      =
| birth_name      = Edreys Wajed
| origin          = [[Buffalo, New York]], United States
| instrument      =
| genre           = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| occupation      = Teacher, artist, [[emcee]], [[hip hop production|hip hop producer]]
| years_active    = 1995–present
| label           = DTR45 [[Deep Thinka Records]]
| associated_acts =
| website         = [http://www.billydrease.com/ Official Website]<br />[http://www.edreys.com Official Blog Page]
| current_members =
| past_members    = 
}}

'''Edreys Wajed''', also known as '''Billy Drease Williams''' is an American [[hip hop]] artist, [[emcee]], singer and producer from [[Buffalo, New York]]; known for his uptempo production, clean lyrics, and motivational messages. Billy Drease Williams started as part of a short lived hip hop group called The Elements (formed with [[Soulive]] members Alan Evans and Neal Evans) and later was one half of a duo known as Raw Intel (with producer Trevor "TrevThorne" Drayton). Acclaimed Music critic Jeff Miers has described him as “the most promising, adventurous, nigh-on-visionary hip hop artist Buffalo has yet produced.”<ref name="buffalospree1">[http://www.buffalospree.com/Buffalo-Spree/December-2012/Buffalo-Game-Changers-Edreys-Wajed/ Buffalo Game Changers: Edreys Wajed – Buffalo Spree – December 2012 – Buffalo, NY]. Buffalo Spree. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>

Raw Intel found success early, placing five songs on the [[ESPN NFL 2K5]] Video Game,<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox/920177-espn-nfl-2k5/faqs/31361 ESPN NFL 2K5 (XBOX) Milestones/Crib Unlockables FAQ by JPaterson]. GameFAQs. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref> and producing a little-known but highly acclaimed self-titled album in 2002/2003. Billy Drease also collaborated with Soulive again for their [[Turn It Out Remixed]] Album and released a project on Velour Records with drummer Alan Evans, entitled M.E.K.A. 54.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/MEKA-54/dp/B003FG88Q4 MEKA 54: Music]. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>

After the Raw Intel album failed to provide Billy with a viable major label deal, he focused his efforts on production and visual art: placing several tracks on films and television, including [[Lionsgate Films|Lionsgate]] Films' "The [[Farce of the Penguins]]" and [[Lifetime Television]]'s "Officer Down"; as well as opening an independent art gallery in Buffalo called Gallery 51.<ref>[http://www.buffaloplace.com/popupleaf/gallery51/409 Gallery 51] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708104154/http://www.buffaloplace.com/popupleaf/gallery51/409 |date=2011-07-08 }}. Buffalo Place. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref> Additionally, he produced several tracks for [[Atlanta]]-based [[rapper]], [[Stat Quo]].<ref>[http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2009/02/05/stat-quo-checks-balances-mixtape/ Stat Quo – Checks & Balances (Mixtape)]. 2DOPEBOYZ (2009-02-05). Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref><ref>[http://www.datpiff.com/Stat_Quo__QuoCity.m29018.html Stat Quo – QuoCity // Free Mixtape @] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928081201/http://www.datpiff.com/Stat_Quo__QuoCity.m29018.html |date=2012-09-28 }}. Datpiff.com. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>

Soon thereafter, Billy Drease decided to embrace the industry's movement from mainstream to indie <ref>[http://www.negativland.com/albini.html NegativWorldWideWebLand] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928182458/http://www.negativland.com/albini.html |date=2007-09-28 }}. Negativland.com. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref> and signed a deal with Buffalo-based independent label [[Deep Thinka Records]], which then proceeded to re-brand themselves as [[DTR45]]. Creatively invigorated by the deal, Billy's first single "I Like It" – a raw chopped up rendition of a [[Betty Wright]] tune –  secured features in [[Billboard Magazine]]<ref name="billboard1">[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045767/edreys Edreys]. Billboard. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref> and on [[Myspace]]; and the accompanying [[music video]] was featured by YouTube and [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]].<ref>Swinnich, Anthony (2008-04-02) [https://web.archive.org/web/20111006210754/http://archives.buffalorising.com/story/edreys_an_upandcoming_wny_rapp Edreys: An Up-And-Coming WNY Rapper]. buffalorising.com.</ref>

Originally performing as solo artist under his birth name, Edreys decided to take on the moniker Billy Drease Williams right around the same time I Like It dropped. This change in stage name was both in homage to the actor [[Billy Dee Williams]] and as a way for the pronunciation of birth name to still be present within his stage name.<ref>[http://www.rapreviews.com/interview/edreys2010.html RapReview Feature for June 15, 2010 – Billy Drease Williams Interview]. Rapreviews.com (2010-06-15). Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref> Billy Drease Williams has released three albums with Deep Thinka Records / DTR45, including Good Morning Amy – an inspirational hip hop album which garnered Grammy buzz<ref>[http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/06/billy-drease-williams-good-morning-amy-cd-release-party.html Billy Drease Williams: Good Morning Amy CD release party] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311072344/http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/06/billy-drease-williams-good-morning-amy-cd-release-party.html |date=March 11, 2012 }}. Buffalo Rising. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>  – and made several high profile features and appearances, including [[Warped Tour]], [[NXNE]],<ref name=r1>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120314153038/http://dopealot.com/2009/06/nxne-2009-hip-hop-extravaganza/ NXNE 2009 Hip-Hop Extravaganza]. dopealot.com (2009-06-17)</ref> and [[CMJ Music Marathon]]<ref name="d1">[http://cmj.thesocialcollective.com/events/event/3328] {{dead link|date=February 2014}}</ref> performances. His hit single, [[Just Doin' It]] has proven to be his biggest commercial success to date, and the groundbreaking music video has received over half a million views to date.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUyn9KXf8E4 Billy Drease Williams – Just Doin' It]. YouTube (2010-07-19). Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>

==The Art of Hip-Hop==
Billy Drease is the Executive Director of The Art of Hip Hop, a not for profit organization dedicated
to "Educating the Future and Celebrating a Culture", achieved through the following guidelines:
*To educate the public on the importance of the preservation, appreciation and positive influences of the culture of Hip-Hop and all forms of music.
*To produce programming designed to improve scholastic abilities in math, reading and the sciences through after school tutoring, mentor-ship and educational excursions to help fight juvenile delinquency.
*To utilize the business [[Behind the Music|behind the music]] industry to teach youth about entrepreneurship and business functions.
*To utilize the visual arts in helping youth express emotion and life issues, and help eliminate prejudice, discrimination and violence.

The Art of Hip Hop has been celebrated as an event/festival in Buffalo the past years, and is currently on its fifth installment.<ref>[http://www.buffalorising.com/2009/08/important-community-event-lives-on.html Art of Hip Hop: Community Event at the AKAG Lives On!] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721050444/http://www.buffalorising.com/2009/08/important-community-event-lives-on.html |date=July 21, 2011 }}. Buffalo Rising. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>

==Career highlights==
*2019: Solo exhibition entitled PLAYLIST received recognition while on view at Flight Gallery Buffalo. 
*2017: Selected as one of four artists to create The Freedom Wall, an art installation located in Buffalo, New York.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Baker, Julia Bottoms, Chuck Tingley, and Edreys Wajed: The Freedom Wall, 2017 |url=https://www.albrightknox.org/community/ak-public-art/freedom-wall |publisher=Albright-Knox Art Gallery |accessdate=14 October 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
*2012: Cover Feature of Buffalo Spree Magazine, as a Buffalo Game Changer.<ref name="buffalospree1"/>
*2010: Featured Performer at YouTube Musician's Wanted Showcase at CMJ New Music Marathon<ref name=d1/>
*2010: Awarded 'Artvoice' Best in Buffalo Hip Hop Artist for 2010<ref>[http://artvoice.com/issues/v9n17/best_of_buffalo_winners The 2010 Winners List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029004208/http://artvoice.com/issues/v9n17/best_of_buffalo_winners/ |date=2010-10-29 }}. Artvoice.com (2010-04-28). Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>
*2010: Cast as the lead for "Death of a King", a hip-hop rendition of Hamlet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/article12667.ece |title=At the Robeson, a hip-hop 'Hamlet' - Gusto - the Buffalo News |website=www.buffalonews.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720181846/http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/article12667.ece |archive-date=20 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2009: Selected Showcase Performer for NXNE Festival in Toronto<ref name=r1/>
*2009: Awarded ‘Artvoice’ Best in Buffalo Hip Hop Artist for 2009<ref>[http://artvoice.com/issues/v8n19/best_of_buffalo_winners The 2009 Winners] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028225337/http://artvoice.com/issues/v8n19/best_of_buffalo_winners |date=2010-10-28 }}. Artvoice.com. Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>
*2009: Featured Performer for [[Hard rock|Hard Rock]] Cafe’s ‘March on Stage’ Event
*2009: Named one of URB Magazine‘s Next 1000 Artists
*2008: First Hip Hop Artist selected for WBFO Live Concert Series<ref>[https://archive.today/20130222013727/http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wbfo/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1287774/Wednesday.Night.Concerts/Wednesday.Night.Concert.with.Edreys.Wajed Wednesday Night Concert with Edreys Wajed | WBFO]. Publicbroadcasting.net (2008-05-29). Retrieved on 2014-02-19.</ref>
*2008: [https://web.archive.org/web/20090130143335/http://warpedtour.com/warpedtour/bands.asp Performer on 2008 Warped Tour Skull Candy Stage]
*2008: 'Now Hear This' feature in Billboard Magazine<ref name="billboard1"/>
*2008: Featured Artist of the Week on Myspace Music
*2008: "I Like It" / "DUI" peaks at #4 on College/Internet Radio Charts<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120312054001/http://www.rapattacklives.com/charts_324.htm Top 30]. rapattacklives.com. Issue #324, April 14, 2008</ref>
*2007: Lions Gate Movie: "Farce of the Penguins", Produced track for artist Flame
*2007: First Place Winner – HOK Production Slam Poetry Contest
*2006: [[HBO]] 'Unscripted' Reality Show, Produced track for artist Flame
*2006: Lifetime Television Movie: "Officer Down", Co-Produced and wrote song for outtake: "Gang Wars"
*2005: [[ESPN NFL 2K5|4 tracks placed on ESPN debut video game ESPN Football 2K5 (800k sold) as a part of group Raw Intel]]
*2004: Starred in Documentary by Ivan Rodriguez. "The Art of Hip Hop: A Short"
*2002: 12" single with B side deal with Velour Records-NY/Red Ink Distribution
*2002: Reebok Nationwide Radio Promotion for RBK product branding
*2001: Buffalo Music Awards winner for "Best Hip Hop Producer"
*1999: Buffalo Music Awards winner for "Best Hip Hop Artist"

==Discography==

===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="text-align:left; width:650px;"|Album information
|-
|align="left"|'''''Raw Intel'''''
*Released: 2002
*Label:
|-
|align="left"|'''''MEKA 54'''''
*Released: 2003
*Label: Velour
*12" with fellow Buffalo native Alan Evans of [[Soulive]]. Limited release.
|-
|align="left"|'''''Classics'''''
*Released: 2008
*Label: [[Deep Thinka Records]]
|-
|align="left"|'''''I Like It/D.U.I.'''''
*Released: 2008
*Label: [[Deep Thinka Records]]
*7" single
|-
|align="left"|'''''Rebel Radio 45'''''
*Released: 2008
*Label: [[Deep Thinka Records]]
*Mixtape produced by DTR45
|-
|align="left"|'''''Good Evening Billy'''''
*Released: 2009
*Label: [[Deep Thinka Records]]
|-
|align="left"|'''''Good Morning AMY'''''
*Released: 2010
*Label: [[Deep Thinka Records]]
|-
|align="left"|'''''Forbidden Tracks'''''
*Released: 2011
*Label: [[Deep Thinka Records]]
|}

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.billydrease.com Billy Drease's Official Web Site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801004355/http://billydrease.com/ |date=2015-08-01 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170517170225/http://goodmorningamy.com/ GMA Official Web Site]
* [http://www.dtr45.com DTR45, Billy Drease's label]
* [http://www.edreys.com Edreys Wajed Blog]
* [http://www.myspace.com/edreysmusic Billy's Myspace page]
*{{cite web|url=https://adambernard.blogspot.com/2008/02/artist-of-week-edreys.html|title=Adam's World: Artist Of The Week – Edreys|publisher=adambernard.blogspot.com|accessdate=2014-06-11}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/88867.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408130659/http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/88867.php|archive-date=2008-04-08|url-status=dead|title=Edreys - The Sidewalk Scholar - Interview|date=March 31, 2008|accessdate=2014-06-11}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.realraptalk.com/f121/new-artist-edreys-121565/|title=realraptalk.com|publisher=realraptalk.com|accessdate=2014-06-11}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity_interviews/Edreys-46947-page2.html|title=Edreys Exclusive Interview|date=18 January 2008 |publisher=femalefirst.co.uk|accessdate=2014-06-11}}
*{{cite web|url=https://thisistomorrow.blogspot.com/2008/02/edreys-duino-joke-and-6th-sense-its.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505012647/http://thisistomorrow.blogspot.com/2008/02/edreys-duino-joke-and-6th-sense-its.html|archive-date=2008-05-05|url-status=dead|title=this is tomorrow|accessdate=2014-06-27}}
*http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article9301.ece
*[https://archive.today/20120720181846/http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/article12667.ece]
*http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article9215.ece
*{{cite web|url=http://archives.buffalorising.com/story/the_art_of_hiphop_at_the_yard|title=the art of hiphop at the yard &#124; Search Results &#124; Buffalo Rising|publisher=archives.buffalorising.com|accessdate=2014-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201024225/http://archives.buffalorising.com/story/the_art_of_hiphop_at_the_yard|archive-date=2016-02-01|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite web|url=http://archives.buffalorising.com/story/the_art_of_hip_hop_3_at_the_al_2|title=the art of hip hop 3 at the al 2 &#124; Search Results &#124; Buffalo Rising|publisher=archives.buffalorising.com|accessdate=2014-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110161149/http://archives.buffalorising.com/story/the_art_of_hip_hop_3_at_the_al_2|archive-date=2012-11-10|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/06/billy-drease-williams-good-morning-amy-cd-release-party.html |title=Billy Drease Williams: Good Morning Amy CD release party &#124; Buffalo Rising |publisher=buffalorising.com |accessdate=2014-06-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311072344/http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/06/billy-drease-williams-good-morning-amy-cd-release-party.html |archivedate=2012-03-11 }}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Billy Drease}}
[[Category:American hip-hop singers]]
[[Category:Underground rappers]]
[[Category:American hip-hop record producers]]
[[Category:Rappers from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians]]
[[Category:Songwriters from New York (state)]]
[[Category:African-American record producers]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:African-American songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American rappers]]
[[Category:American male songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male rappers]]